New scheme to optimise oil and gas decommissioning

A new multi-operator scheme aims to increase the efficiency and reduce the costs of oil and gas decommissioning. The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) is currently searching for firms to join the Well Plug […]

The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) is currently searching for firms to join the Well Plug and Abandonment Optimisation Programme, which aims to demonstrate the improvements that can be made in the sector.

Participants must have at least one well to be decommissioned within the project timeframe and must be willing to work collaboratively with the OGA and other industry groups to minimise costs in appropriate, safe and environmentally friendly ways.

Areas to focus on will likely include the application of new technologies, different contract and business models, the simplifying of regulations and increased transparency regarding lessons learned.

Jim Christie, Head of Decommissioning at the OGA, said: “While estimates of cost, scale and scope vary, there is no doubt that the decommissioning effort facing our basin is significant.

“We must act now to capitalise on the opportunity it presents for innovation, cost reduction and further development of our skilled supply chain.”

Applications close on the 10th of March, 2017.

Shell has sent plans regarding the decommissioning of the Brent oil and gas field to BEIS.